Gulf Shores, Alabama: A Great Vacation Destination

Need a vacation? Gulf Shores, Alabama is an ideal beach getaway for the entire family. Gulf Shores has attractions, fine dining, great shopping and beautiful beaches.

The family will love Waterville USA, a water and amusement park conveniently located near the beach. Waterville USA has something for everyone. Admission charges are General Admission $29.95, Military Park Admission $25.95, Senior Citizen $18.95 and Observer Admission $15.95. Prices for amusement park activities are listed on Waterville USA's website. For more information about Waterville USA, visit their website at www.watervilleusa.com.

Adventure Island is another great attraction in the Gulf Shores area. Adventure Island has go karts, roller coaster, bumper boats, kids rides, arcade and mini golf course. Adventure Island is open seven days a week. For more information about Adventure Island, please visit their website at www.adventure-island.com.

If parasailing sounds like your kind of fun, Pleasure Island Parasail has the ticket. Pleasure Island not only offers parasailing, but jet ski rentals, beach chair rentals and banana boat rides. Rates for parasailing are $125 double, $65 single and $15 ride along (when available). For more information please visit www.pleasureislandparasail.com.

Shuckers at the Wharf is a great dining experience. Shuckers is located at the Marina at the Wharf. Prices are very reasonable. The seafood platter is highly recommended and contains oysters, shrimp, crawfish, fries, crab cake, fish and gumbo. The seafood platter is enough for two to three people. For more information on Shuckers at the Wharf, please go online to www.thewharfal.com.

Everyone that comes to Gulf Shores should experience Lucy Buffett's "Lulu's". Lulu's is a very colorful and fun atmosphere, located on the canal close to the beach. Fried Green Tomatoes and L.A. (Lower Alabama) Caviar are very tasty. Lulu's has several entrees to choose from, including the famous "Cheeseburger in Paradise". For more information on Lulu's, visit their website at www.lulubuffet.com

The Hangout is another great place to grab a bite to eat. The Hangout is located on the beach . The Hangout has burgers, seafood and many other options. This restaurant also offers live music to their customers. The food is great and the scenic beach front makes this a place to definitely visit on vacation. For more information about The Hangout, please visit their website at www.thehangoutal.com.

Gulf Shores offers visitor great shopping outlets. Located in Foley, only a few miles from the Gulf Shores beaches. The Tanger Outlet has stores such as Ralph Lauren, Izod, GAP, Crocs, Oakley Vault and many more. To get more information on Tanger Outlet, please visit their website at www.tangeroutlet.com.

Pelican Place at Craft Farms located near the Tanger Outlet has another wide variety of stores. Target is at the entrance to the outdoor mall and stores such as Hibbett Sports, Shades, Kay Jewelers and many more. To get more information about Pelican Place at Craft Farms, please visit their website at www.thepelicanplace.com

The Gulf Shores public beach area is beautiful. You can pay $5 per day for parking or $10 per week. The public beach area seems quite secure with security personnel on duty nearby as well as lifeguards on the shore. For more information about the public beach areas, please visit www.gulflive.com.

If you are thinking about a nice family vacation, consider Gulf Shores. This summer is the second year in a row that we have decided to vacation in the Gulf Shores area. We have had wonderful experiences on both trips. We could not ask for better service at the hotels, dining facilities and attractions. To learn more about Gulf Shores, Alabama, please visit www.gulfshores.com